Quarter the endives lengthwise. Combine the other ingredients in a bistro pan and bring to a boil. Add endives, cover, and cook at medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove cover, increase heat and boil off liquid until endives are almost dry. Serve immediately, or remove endives from heat and hold, covered, for up to 15 minutes.

Variant: substitute one 1 teaspoon bacon drippings for one of the tablespoons of butter.